New Zealand Brown Trout Poronui Lodge

Poronui Lodge - New Zealand

Fly Fishing for Wild Browns and Rainbows

"...one of the top 10 fly fishing lodges in the world." - ForbesLife, 2010.

Poronui Lodge is a luxury fishing lodge is located on 16,000 acres of wilderness in the Taharua Valley southeast of Taupo on New Zealand's spectacular North Island. Legendary fishing in pristine waters and stunning surroundings. The property is possibly the best fishing lodge New Zealand has to offer and has been a favored fishing and hunting ground for ancient Maori tribes, and since 1877, the English settlers. Poronui's trout fishing and hunting are recognized as world-class.
Click here for Sherpa (up-to-date travel requirements).


Fishing Poronui

Poronui Lodge

This vast, private estate hidden in a secluded country valley offers 25-miles of magical trout water. Fish quiet freestone streams and spring creeks. Find wild brown trout that average 20 to 22-inches in crystal clear water. Browns average 3-to 5-pounds and range up to 10-pounds in size. They willingly take a dry fly or small nymph.
If you want to explore, the distant boundaries of the property have rugged forested canyons hiding trophy trout. They also have two helicopters at the lodge for fly-outs to remote mountain streams (for an additional cost).
The seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite to those in North America. Poronui is located in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand and enjoys a temperate climate.

Poronui Lodge Fishing Seasons

Poronui fishing seasons

Spring (October) Trout season opens. Temperatures are still cool, but with the longer days, the brown trout become very active, and there is excellent fishing with weighted nymphs along soft seams in most mountain streams. Some good evening hatches offer very good dry fly fishing at dusk.
Early Summer (November and December):  This is undoubtedly the best time to fly fish in mountain streams throughout New Zealand. The days are long and warm, the water is still cool, there are good mayfly hatches and the trout feed recklessly on the surface throughout the day. The fish are generally very enthusiastic about the dry fly. This is the least crowded time to fly fish here.
Mid-Summer (January and February):  Traditionally, this is the most popular time for fly anglers to visit New Zealand. Streams are low, and wading is easy. Trout are highly visible in the water, but selective with their feeding. On smaller streams, these conditions demand careful stalking and delicate presentations with small drys and nymphs. On larger mountain freestone streams (accessed by helicopter and float trips), there is excellent terrestrial activity on the surface.
Late Summer (March and April):  The weather is still warm. April has the lowest average rainfall of any month. Occasionally, a brilliant day is heralded by a light frost. Resident trout in mountain streams willingly rise to the surface. The dry and cooler evenings induce good hatches. At this time, the trout are in peak condition. It's the best time for salmon or for hunting red stag as the rut is on.
Fall (May):  The best fly fishing is using nymphs for early spawning trout in the tributary streams flowing into Lake Taupo. The duck hunting and game bird season opens, and it is the best time for trophy stags. No matter what the season, Poronui can offer you a truly memorable experience.

About Poronui Lodge

Poronui Lodge

Poronui Lodge is open year-round with January through mid-March, being summer and their high season. The main lodge and seven individual guest cabins at Poronui have evolved from what was once a rustic fishing camp into luxurious world-class accommodation. Solid timber main lodge with huge, open log fireplace. Country cooking specializing in game fare and fine wines. Horseback riding, shooting lodge, health spa, mountain biking, fly-tying bench, underground 10,000 bottle wine cellar (at The Stables), and more.
The property is a wonderful outdoor playground. They offer a range of outdoor activities from fly-fishing to hunting and have excellent facilities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, and rafting. There are more than 100-miles of roads and tracks that wind their way through the hills and along the streams for exploring the native bush and wilderness.


2020 Rates:  N.Z. Funds

High Season:
December 7 - March 21, 2020

7-nights at the Lodge
and 6-days guided fishing
Double-occupancy room
$9,360.00 per person
Single-occupancy room
$14,065.00 per person

Mid-Season:
March 22 - December 6, 2020

7-nights at the Lodge
and 6-days guided fishing
Double-occupancy room
$6,315.00 per person
Single-occupancy room
$10,080.00 per person

Packages Include:

Accommodations, daily country breakfast, light lunch, canapés, gourmet dinner, beverages except for wines from the Cellar List, same-day personal laundry service, 6-days guided fly-fishing, and any gear needed, including waders, boots, rods, and reels.

Packages Do Not Include:

Airfare, ground transfers, fishing licenses, and anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Any extra charges such as licenses, helicopter charges, access fees, etc. are payable upon departure.

Heli-Fishing - Helicopter Fly-Outs

The helicopter option will take you to the more remote mountainous areas for a true wilderness experience. Enjoy the excitement of a low-level flight over spectacular mountain scenery. These daily fly-outs from the Lodge are for both trophy rainbows and browns. Most anglers, having fished these waters, describe a helicopter fly-out from Poronui Ranch as the ultimate New Zealand fly fishing experience. Add an additional NZ $1,200.00 - $3,800.00 (2020) to the daily guided rate. ($2,000.00 is the average rate for two anglers.)

Poronui Lodge Fishing


Browns up to 10-pounds

Beautiful Brown Trout

25-miles of trout waters

Angler Kneeling in Water with Large Rainbow

Guides with decades of experience

Angler and Guide with netted rainbow

Stay overnight in a streamside camp.

Canvas Tent with Campfire

Dine under the stars, sleep by the river.

Aerial View of River with Tents

The Safari Camp has full use of the facilities.

Inside of Safari Cabin

Mountain bikes for guests to use

Mountain Bike Trails

Fantastic meals and wines

The Lodge Great Room

Horseback riding and health club facilities

Horseback Riding through Creek

Fishing Travel Experts


Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com